As a parent, we often have incredibly full schedules. We are so busy with work, driving our teens everywhere, making dinner, making sure the homework is being done, all while preparing for everything related to college applications.
We don’t have enough time in our lives to be closely acquainted with our teens.
At least, we think we don’t have the time.
Before you know it, the day is over. We are all ready for bed. And guess what?
Tomorrow will be a repeat of today.
So, with an outstretched hand for your teen, don’t leave their success and good mental health up to luck. The first step you can take is to make dinners family time. Take this time to just talk with each other, no matter how challenging this may seem.
It’s your job as a parent to look for and notice changes.
Use dinnertime as an opportunity to catch up and reconnect.
Here are a few suggestions to develop great interactions with your teens:
- Make dinner a cell phone-free period.
- Ask your teen about school: Who is their favorite teacher or subject and why?
- Ask your teen about the mental health of their friends.
- Ask your teen if they’ve been feeling any extreme emotions such as euphoria or sadness. Find out what your teen is experiencing.
- Notice their eating habits, and find out if your teen has the beginnings of an eating disorder.
- Discuss and discover if your teen’s sleeping habits are healthy.
- Find out if any of your teen’s friends have discussed hurting themselves.
- Talk about the future with your teen in a positive light. Teens that are depressed have a difficult time thinking about their own future.
Assuming you discover some of these symptoms exist for your teen, don’t be afraid to seek help. We have free resources on our website at www.abrigherday.info/resources. Call us if you need a referral.
You can always call the National Hotline at 211 for help.
Please don’t wait until your teen is in a crisis!
We look forward to helping you and your teen be healthy in all ways.
All my best,
Elliot
